elpais.com
Siege of El Fasher: Civilians Face Starvation and Death Amidst Ongoing Conflict
In El Fasher, Darfur, Sudan, 260,000 civilians, half of them children, are trapped by a paramilitary siege, facing starvation, death, and restricted escape routes as the Rapid Support Forces intensify their assault.
- What is the immediate impact of the ongoing siege on civilians in El Fasher?
- The siege has caused widespread starvation, with a 38% acute malnutrition rate among children under five in March, exceeding Gaza's July rate. Blocked aid and exorbitant food prices, with a sack of grain costing €2,500, have led to the closure of community kitchens. A cholera outbreak exacerbated by lack of clean water and damaged medical facilities adds to the crisis.
- How have the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated the siege of El Fasher and what are the consequences?
- The RSF has intensified attacks since April 2024, using heavy weaponry, drones, and artillery, blocking aid and escape routes. They've built 30+ km of earth walls surrounding El Fasher, restricting escape and leading to mass displacement and killings. High escape costs (€300) further restrict fleeing.
- What are the long-term implications of the RSF's actions in El Fasher and what broader patterns do they reveal?
- The RSF's siege, part of a broader effort to control Darfur and potentially split Sudan, exposes the vulnerability of non-Arab populations who have sought refuge in El Fasher for over two decades. The RSF's pattern of restricting escape, killing, and looting reveals a systematic campaign of ethnic violence and control, with lasting impacts on the region's stability and humanitarian crisis.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a clear picture of the dire situation in El Fasher, focusing on the suffering of civilians and the escalating violence. The framing emphasizes the humanitarian crisis, the paramilitary forces' actions, and the resilience of the city's defenders. While the article presents a compelling narrative of suffering, the framing could benefit from including more direct quotes from the victims and potentially giving more voice to the perspectives of the paramilitary forces, if possible, to provide a more balanced view. The focus on the humanitarian crisis is understandable given the severity of the situation, but acknowledging potential counterarguments or alternative viewpoints could strengthen the analysis.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, employing factual reporting and quotes from reliable sources. However, terms like "arrolladoras" (overwhelming) and "letales" (lethal) could be considered slightly emotive. While these words accurately reflect the gravity of the situation, using more neutral alternatives like "rapid" or "deadly" might enhance objectivity. The repeated emphasis on the suffering of civilians is understandable given the context, but could be slightly toned down to maintain a strictly neutral stance.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including a more in-depth exploration of the political and historical context leading to the conflict. While the article mentions the war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, a broader examination of the underlying causes and long-term consequences could offer a fuller understanding of the situation. Additionally, exploring potential international involvement or attempts at mediation could provide valuable context. The omission of these points is understandable considering the scope of the article, but expanding on this information would enhance analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes a severe famine in El Fasher, with widespread starvation and malnutrition, especially among children. The blockade of humanitarian aid and the destruction of food supplies have exacerbated the crisis, leading to numerous deaths and a catastrophic humanitarian situation. This directly relates to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.